Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method for use in a wireless device of acquiring system information in a frequency-hopping network, the method comprising: obtaining an indication that the wireless device is configured for frequency hopping among a plurality of frequency channels, wherein at least one of the plurality of frequency channels is a discovery channel, and the discovery channel includes one or more dense discovery signals wherein a dense discovery signal is denser than a corresponding discovery signal included in the non-discovery channels of the plurality of frequency channels; tuning a radio receiver of the wireless device to the discovery channel; and acquiring system information using the one or more dense discovery signals, wherein the one or more discovery signals include at least one of a synchronization signal (SS), reference signal (RS), physical broadcast channel (PBCH), and a system information (SI), the wireless device comprises a narrowband Internet-of-Things (NB-IoT) device, and the one or more SS includes at least one of a narrowband primary synchronization signal (NPSS) and a narrowband secondary synchronization signal (NSSS), and the at least one PBCH includes a narrowband physical broadcast channel (NPBCH).
This technical summary describes a method for acquiring system information in a frequency-hopping network, particularly for narrowband Internet-of-Things (NB-IoT) devices. The method addresses the challenge of efficiently obtaining system information in networks where frequency hopping is used, ensuring reliable communication despite dynamic channel conditions. The method involves a wireless device configured for frequency hopping among multiple frequency channels, at least one of which is designated as a discovery channel. The discovery channel includes one or more dense discovery signals, which are more frequent or robust than corresponding signals in non-discovery channels. These dense discovery signals may include synchronization signals (SS), reference signals (RS), physical broadcast channels (PBCH), or system information (SI). For NB-IoT devices, the SS includes a narrowband primary synchronization signal (NPSS) and/or a narrowband secondary synchronization signal (NSSS), while the PBCH is a narrowband physical broadcast channel (NPBCH). The wireless device tunes its radio receiver to the discovery channel and acquires system information using the dense discovery signals. This approach ensures that the device can reliably detect and decode critical system information despite the frequency-hopping nature of the network, improving communication efficiency and reliability for NB-IoT devices.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein obtaining the indication that the wireless device is configured for frequency hopping comprises the wireless device being preconfigured for frequency hopping.
A method for managing wireless communication involves determining whether a wireless device is configured for frequency hopping, a technique used to mitigate interference and improve signal reliability in wireless networks. The method includes obtaining an indication that the wireless device is preconfigured for frequency hopping, meaning the device has been set up in advance to support this feature. This preconfiguration may involve hardware or software settings that enable the device to switch between different frequency channels according to a predefined pattern. The method further includes adjusting communication parameters based on this indication, such as modifying transmission power, selecting optimal frequency channels, or coordinating with other devices to avoid interference. By leveraging preconfigured frequency hopping, the system ensures efficient and reliable wireless communication, particularly in environments with high interference or dynamic channel conditions. The approach reduces the need for real-time configuration, improving performance and reducing latency in wireless networks.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein obtaining the indication that the wireless device is configured for frequency hopping comprises receiving an indication of a frequency hopping pattern of a neighbor cell, wherein the frequency hopping pattern of the neighbor cell includes at least one discovery channel; the method further comprises configuring one or more measurement gaps that coincide with the at least one discovery channel of the neighbor cell; and wherein acquiring system information using the one or more dense discovery signals comprises measuring a signal quality of at least one of the one or more dense discovery signals of the neighbor cell during one of the one or more measurement gaps.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving the acquisition of system information from neighbor cells in a frequency-hopping environment. The problem addressed is the difficulty of reliably measuring and acquiring system information from neighbor cells that use frequency hopping, where the transmission channels change over time, making it challenging to synchronize measurements with the correct channels. The method involves obtaining an indication that a wireless device is configured for frequency hopping, which includes receiving details of the frequency hopping pattern of a neighbor cell. This pattern specifies at least one discovery channel used for transmitting system information. The method then configures one or more measurement gaps that align with the discovery channels of the neighbor cell. These gaps are time intervals during which the wireless device can measure the signal quality of the neighbor cell's dense discovery signals without interference from its own transmissions. The wireless device then measures the signal quality of the discovery signals during these gaps, enabling accurate acquisition of system information from the neighbor cell despite its frequency-hopping operation. This approach ensures reliable communication and handover procedures in dynamic wireless environments.
4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising receiving a synchronization offset of the neighbor cell; and wherein configuring the one or more measurement gaps is based on the received synchronization offset of the neighbor cell.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for configuring measurement gaps in a user device to improve synchronization and measurement accuracy between cells. The problem addressed is the need for precise timing alignment between a serving cell and neighboring cells to ensure accurate signal measurements and seamless handover in cellular networks. The method involves a user device receiving synchronization offset information from a neighboring cell, which indicates the timing difference between the serving cell and the neighboring cell. The device then uses this offset to configure one or more measurement gaps, which are periodic intervals during which the device suspends communication with the serving cell to measure signals from neighboring cells. By adjusting the timing of these gaps based on the synchronization offset, the device can more accurately align its measurements with the neighboring cell's transmission schedule, reducing errors and improving handover performance. The method may also include determining the synchronization offset by comparing timing references from the serving and neighboring cells, such as primary synchronization signals or system frame numbers. The device can then apply this offset to schedule the measurement gaps at optimal times, ensuring that the gaps coincide with the neighboring cell's transmission windows. This approach enhances measurement reliability and reduces the likelihood of missed or inaccurate signal measurements, which are critical for maintaining network connectivity and quality of service.
5. The wireless device of claim 1 , wherein at least one discovery signal of the discovery channel is twice as dense as a corresponding discovery signal of the non-discovery channels.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving the efficiency and reliability of device discovery in wireless networks. The problem addressed is the need for faster and more accurate detection of nearby devices in environments where multiple devices operate on different channels, often leading to delays or missed connections due to sparse signal transmission. The invention describes a wireless device configured to transmit and receive discovery signals on multiple channels, including at least one dedicated discovery channel. The device is designed to transmit discovery signals on the discovery channel at a higher density—specifically, twice as frequently—as compared to the discovery signals transmitted on non-discovery channels. This increased signal density on the discovery channel enhances the likelihood of successful detection by other devices, reducing the time required for initial connection establishment. The device may also include mechanisms to adjust signal density dynamically based on network conditions, such as interference or device proximity, to optimize performance. Additionally, the device may support multiple discovery channels, allowing for broader coverage and improved reliability in crowded or high-mobility environments. The invention aims to streamline device discovery in wireless networks, particularly in scenarios where rapid and reliable connections are critical, such as in IoT or ad-hoc networking applications.
6. The wireless device of claim 1 , wherein a discovery signal of the non-discovery channel includes one occurrence per frame and the corresponding discovery signal of the discovery channel includes more than one occurrence per frame.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving device discovery in networks where devices operate on both discovery and non-discovery channels. The problem addressed is the inefficiency in current systems where discovery signals are uniformly distributed, leading to delays in device detection and connection establishment. The invention enhances discovery by varying the frequency of discovery signals between channels. In the system, a wireless device transmits a discovery signal on a non-discovery channel exactly once per frame, while on the discovery channel, the same device transmits multiple discovery signals within the same frame period. This asymmetry ensures that devices actively searching for connections (on the discovery channel) have more frequent opportunities to detect and synchronize with other devices, while devices on non-discovery channels maintain minimal signaling overhead. The approach optimizes resource usage by concentrating discovery efforts where they are most needed, reducing latency and improving overall network efficiency. The solution is particularly useful in scenarios where rapid device discovery is critical, such as in IoT networks or ad-hoc communications.
7. A wireless device capable of acquiring system information in a frequency-hopping network, the wireless device comprising processing circuitry operable to: obtain an indication that the wireless device is configured for frequency hopping among a plurality of frequency channels, wherein at least one of the plurality of frequency channels is a discovery channel, and the discovery channel includes one or more dense discovery signals wherein a dense discovery signal is denser than a corresponding discovery signal included in the non-discovery channels of the plurality of frequency channels; tune a radio receiver of the wireless device to the discovery channel; and acquire system information using the one or more dense discovery signals, wherein the one or more discovery signals include at least one of a synchronization signal (SS), reference signal (RS), physical broadcast channel (PBCH), and a system information (SI), the wireless device comprises a narrowband Internet-of-Things (NB-IoT) device, and the one or more SS includes at least one of a narrowband primary synchronization signal (NPSS) and a narrowband secondary synchronization signal (NSSS), and the at least one PBCH includes a narrowband physical broadcast channel (NPBCH).
A wireless device, specifically a narrowband Internet-of-Things (NB-IoT) device, is configured to acquire system information in a frequency-hopping network. The network uses multiple frequency channels, including at least one designated discovery channel. The discovery channel contains dense discovery signals, which are more frequent or robust than those in non-discovery channels. These signals include synchronization signals (SS), reference signals (RS), physical broadcast channels (PBCH), and system information (SI). The SS in the discovery channel includes narrowband primary synchronization signals (NPSS) and narrowband secondary synchronization signals (NSSS), while the PBCH includes narrowband physical broadcast channels (NPBCH). The device's processing circuitry detects that it is configured for frequency hopping, tunes its radio receiver to the discovery channel, and acquires system information using the dense discovery signals. This approach ensures reliable system information acquisition in a frequency-hopping environment, particularly for NB-IoT devices operating in networks with dynamic frequency allocation.
8. The wireless device of claim 7 , wherein the processing circuitry is operable to obtain the indication that the wireless device is configured for frequency hopping by obtaining a preconfiguration of the wireless device for frequency hopping.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically addressing the need for efficient frequency hopping configuration in wireless devices. Frequency hopping is a technique used to mitigate interference and improve communication reliability by rapidly switching between different frequency channels. The invention describes a wireless device with processing circuitry that determines whether the device is configured for frequency hopping by accessing a preconfigured setting. This preconfiguration may be stored in the device's memory or firmware, allowing the device to automatically enable or disable frequency hopping without requiring real-time configuration commands. The processing circuitry then uses this preconfiguration to control the device's frequency hopping behavior, ensuring seamless and adaptive operation in dynamic wireless environments. The invention also includes related methods for configuring and operating the wireless device, ensuring compatibility with various communication protocols and standards. The solution simplifies frequency hopping management, reduces configuration overhead, and enhances system robustness by leveraging preconfigured settings.
9. The wireless device of claim 7 , wherein the processing circuitry is operable to obtain the indication that the wireless device is configured for frequency hopping by receiving an indication of a frequency hopping pattern of a neighbor cell, wherein the frequency hopping pattern of the neighbor cell includes at least one discovery channel; the processing circuitry is further operable to configure one or more measurement gaps that coincide with the at least one discovery channel of the neighbor cell; and the processing circuitry is operable to acquire system information using the one or more dense discovery signals by measuring a signal quality of at least one of the one or more dense discovery signals of the neighbor cell during one of the one or more measurement gaps.
A wireless device in a cellular network is configured to efficiently acquire system information from a neighbor cell that uses frequency hopping. The device includes processing circuitry that determines the neighbor cell's frequency hopping pattern, which includes at least one discovery channel. The processing circuitry then configures measurement gaps that align with these discovery channels, allowing the device to measure the signal quality of dense discovery signals transmitted by the neighbor cell during these gaps. By synchronizing measurements with the neighbor cell's hopping pattern, the device can reliably acquire system information despite the dynamic frequency changes. This approach improves inter-cell coordination and reduces the time required for neighbor cell discovery and signal acquisition, particularly in environments where cells frequently change operating frequencies. The solution is applicable in wireless communication systems where frequency hopping is used to mitigate interference or optimize spectrum utilization.
10. The wireless device of claim 9 , the processing circuitry further operable to receive a synchronization offset of the neighbor cell; and the processing circuitry is operable to configure the one or more measurement gaps based on the received synchronization offset of the neighbor cell.
A wireless device includes processing circuitry configured to manage measurement gaps for inter-frequency or inter-RAT (Radio Access Technology) measurements. The device operates in a wireless communication system where it needs to measure signals from a neighbor cell operating on a different frequency or RAT. To avoid interference with ongoing communications, the device schedules measurement gaps during which it temporarily suspends transmissions and receptions on its serving cell to measure signals from the neighbor cell. The processing circuitry is further configured to receive a synchronization offset of the neighbor cell, which indicates the timing difference between the neighbor cell and the serving cell. Using this synchronization offset, the processing circuitry adjusts the timing and duration of the measurement gaps to ensure accurate and efficient measurements. This adjustment helps minimize measurement errors and reduces the likelihood of missed measurements due to misaligned timing between the serving and neighbor cells. The device may also include a transceiver for wireless communication and an antenna for transmitting and receiving signals. The overall system improves handover performance and network efficiency by ensuring reliable neighbor cell measurements.
11. A network node capable of providing system information in a frequency-hopping network, the network node comprising processing circuitry operable to: obtain a frequency hopping pattern for frequency hopping among a plurality of frequency channels, wherein at least one of the plurality of frequency channels is a discovery channel, and the discovery channel includes one or more dense discovery signals wherein a dense discovery signal is denser than a corresponding discovery signal included in the non-discovery channels of the plurality of frequency channels; and transmit discovery signals according to the obtained frequency-hopping pattern, wherein the processing circuitry further operable to transmit the frequency hopping pattern to a wireless device, the processing circuitry is operable to transmit the frequency hopping pattern by transmitting at least one of a cell identity and a network identity, and the one or more SS includes at least one of a narrowband primary synchronization signal (NPSS) and a narrowband secondary synchronization signal (NSSS), and the at least one PBCH includes a narrowband physical broadcast channel (NPBCH).
A network node in a frequency-hopping wireless communication system provides system information to wireless devices by transmitting discovery signals across multiple frequency channels according to a predefined frequency-hopping pattern. The system addresses challenges in wireless networks where devices need to efficiently discover and synchronize with the network, particularly in environments with limited bandwidth or interference. The network node includes processing circuitry that obtains a frequency-hopping pattern to distribute transmissions across multiple frequency channels, with at least one designated as a discovery channel. The discovery channel contains denser discovery signals compared to non-discovery channels, enhancing detection reliability. These discovery signals include synchronization signals (NPSS and NSSS) and a physical broadcast channel (NPBCH), which carry essential system information. The network node transmits the frequency-hopping pattern to wireless devices by encoding it within a cell identity or network identity, allowing devices to predict and track the transmission schedule. This approach improves network discovery efficiency and reduces synchronization delays in dynamic frequency-hopping environments.
12. The method of claim 11 , the processing circuitry further operable to transmit a synchronization offset of a neighbor cell to the wireless device.
A method for wireless communication involves managing synchronization between a wireless device and a network, particularly in scenarios where the device may need to communicate with multiple cells. The method addresses the challenge of maintaining accurate timing alignment when a wireless device transitions between cells or operates in a heterogeneous network environment. The processing circuitry in the network infrastructure is configured to determine a synchronization offset for a neighbor cell relative to a serving cell. This offset represents the timing difference between the two cells, allowing the wireless device to adjust its transmission timing accordingly. The processing circuitry then transmits this synchronization offset to the wireless device, enabling the device to synchronize its uplink transmissions with the neighbor cell without requiring a full timing advance procedure. This reduces latency and signaling overhead, improving overall network efficiency. The method may also involve the processing circuitry receiving a timing advance command from the neighbor cell and adjusting the synchronization offset based on this command, ensuring continuous alignment with network timing requirements. The approach is particularly useful in scenarios where the wireless device needs to maintain connectivity with multiple cells simultaneously, such as in carrier aggregation or dual-connectivity configurations.
13. The method of claim 11 , wherein the one or more discovery signals include at least one of a synchronization signal (SS), reference signal (RS), physical broadcast channel (PBCH), and a system information (SI).
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for enhancing signal discovery and synchronization in cellular networks. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and reliable detection of network signals by user devices, particularly in scenarios with varying signal conditions or interference. The method involves transmitting one or more discovery signals from a base station to enable devices to identify and connect to the network. These signals include synchronization signals (SS) to align timing, reference signals (RS) for channel estimation, physical broadcast channels (PBCH) for broadcasting essential system information, and system information (SI) for network configuration details. The signals are structured to facilitate rapid and accurate detection, even in challenging environments. The method may also include adaptive transmission techniques, such as adjusting signal power, frequency, or timing based on network conditions. This ensures robust performance across different scenarios, including high-mobility or dense deployment areas. The signals may be transmitted periodically or triggered by specific events, optimizing resource usage while maintaining reliability. By incorporating multiple signal types, the invention improves device discovery efficiency, reduces connection latency, and enhances overall network performance. The approach is particularly useful in 5G and beyond networks, where low-latency and high-reliability communication are critical.
14. The method of claim 11 , wherein the one or more SS includes at least one of a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS).
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for synchronizing user equipment (UE) with a base station using synchronization signals (SS). The problem addressed is improving synchronization efficiency and reliability in wireless networks, particularly in scenarios where multiple synchronization signals (SS) are used. The method involves transmitting one or more synchronization signals (SS) from a base station to a UE. The SS includes at least one of a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS). The PSS is used for coarse time and frequency synchronization, while the SSS provides additional timing information and helps identify the cell identity. The method ensures that the UE can accurately detect and decode the SS to establish synchronization with the base station, enabling reliable communication. The technique may also involve configuring the SS transmission parameters, such as timing, frequency, or power, to optimize synchronization performance. This approach enhances synchronization accuracy, reduces latency, and improves overall network efficiency. The method is particularly useful in 5G and other advanced wireless communication systems where precise synchronization is critical for high-speed data transmission.
15. The method of claim 11 , wherein at least one discovery signal of the discovery channel is twice as dense as a corresponding discovery signal of the non-discovery channels.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving discovery signal density in device-to-device (D2D) or machine-type communication (MTC) networks. The problem addressed is inefficient resource utilization and limited discovery performance in scenarios where devices need to detect each other or network infrastructure. The solution involves a method where at least one discovery signal transmitted on a dedicated discovery channel has a density that is twice as high as the density of corresponding discovery signals on non-discovery channels. This means the discovery channel carries more frequent or higher-rate discovery signals compared to regular communication channels, enhancing detection probability and reducing latency. The method may include selecting specific time or frequency resources for the discovery channel, configuring signal repetition patterns, or adjusting modulation schemes to achieve the increased density. The approach optimizes resource allocation by concentrating discovery signaling in dedicated channels while maintaining efficient use of non-discovery channels for data transmission. This technique is particularly useful in scenarios with high device mobility, sparse networks, or applications requiring rapid peer discovery, such as public safety communications or IoT deployments. The invention may also involve coordinating discovery signal density between devices or network nodes to avoid interference and ensure reliable detection.
16. The method of claim 11 , wherein a discovery signal of the non-discovery channel includes one occurrence per frame and the corresponding discovery signal of the discovery channel includes more than one occurrence per frame.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for managing discovery signals in communication channels. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and reliable signal discovery in both discovery and non-discovery channels to improve communication reliability and reduce latency. The method involves transmitting discovery signals in two types of channels: a discovery channel and a non-discovery channel. In the non-discovery channel, a discovery signal is transmitted once per frame. This ensures minimal overhead while still allowing devices to detect the presence of the channel. In contrast, the discovery channel includes multiple occurrences of the discovery signal per frame. This redundancy enhances reliability by increasing the likelihood of successful signal detection, even in challenging environments with interference or signal degradation. The method ensures that devices can quickly and accurately identify available channels, improving overall system performance. The use of different signal transmission rates in the two channels balances efficiency and reliability, optimizing resource usage while maintaining robust communication. This approach is particularly useful in dynamic wireless environments where signal conditions may vary frequently.
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March 31, 2020
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